If you're not transforming your passion into something more — you're missing out. In a world where digital presence and physical products can go hand-in-hand, making that leap can set you apart. This is the story of how one IT blogger turned an abstract idea into a physical, marketable product: a board game that captures the essence of both business and creativity.

For many entrepreneurs, the leap from a blog or digital content to a physical product can seem daunting. However, the story behind Trash Pitches—a board game created to support my IT blog—proves that with the right mindset, it’s not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. The concept for this product was born out of a casual New Year’s party, where the idea of creating something fun and valuable for my audience—a board game for IT professionals and founders—came to life. This would not just be a product; it would be a gift and a conversation starter for a niche community. What began as a mere idea soon turned into a tangible product, sold out within the first batch, and laid the foundation for launching my design agency.

Turning an idea into a product is rarely smooth sailing, and Trash Pitches was no exception. As with any new venture, the challenges were numerous—from design and production issues to navigating unforeseen setbacks. But, with persistence and creativity, we managed to overcome them.

Design & Development: The first hurdle was conceptualizing the game's design. Inspired by the real team members of my IT blog, we worked together to develop illustrations and select a unique style for the game. However, the real challenge came when it was time to print. Ensuring that the colors, textures, and designs on the cards matched our expectations was a struggle, but it paid off. Each card came out vibrant and true to our vision.

Social Media Engagement: We leveraged the power of Instagram to document the development journey of the game. Sharing behind-the-scenes insights and updates helped foster a community around the project. Many followers began associating me with the game, and soon it became a recognizable part of my personal brand. The connection between content creation and product development proved to be invaluable in generating buzz and curiosity.

The First Batch: Once the game was finally produced, the initial batch sold out quickly. But not everything went according to plan—some games were lost in a warehouse fire. Yet, the remaining stock was delivered with a unique "story" attached, including a faint scent of smoke, adding an unexpected layer of charm and intrigue to the product. This unforeseen turn of events only made the story of Trash Pitches more memorable.

Like many entrepreneurs, the journey wasn’t without its struggles, especially when it came to financial planning and distribution.

The Setbacks: A few months after the release, some of the games were stuck in storage, incurring additional costs. Despite this, the business model remained profitable in the long term. This was a reminder of the unpredictability of entrepreneurship—things don’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road.

A Silver Lining: During a warehouse fire, I was initially heartbroken to lose part of the stock. However, I soon discovered that I would be reimbursed for the losses. This unexpected turn of events led to a full sell-out of the remaining stock, which turned the situation around.

Financial Insights: In terms of sales, the financial journey was both rewarding and humbling. The total revenue exceeded expectations, and although I initially feared I’d be at a loss, I ended up with a small profit after covering printing costs and distribution. While some early challenges occurred—like delayed deliveries and unanticipated costs—Trash Pitches ultimately became a profitable venture.

The success of Trash Pitches not only provided a profitable side business but also laid the groundwork for the launch of my design agency. Creating Trash Pitches was not only a creative endeavor but also a business opportunity that allowed me to turn my passion for design into a full-time career. The game became one of the first successful cases for the agency, showcasing our ability to create engaging, visually appealing, and marketable products for clients.

Testing Hypotheses Through Products: When you create a product, you’re not just selling an item, you’re testing a hypothesis. The journey of Trash Pitches taught me how valuable it is to understand your audience's interests and needs before launching a full-fledged product. By sharing the development process and getting immediate feedback from my audience, I was able to make informed decisions that helped the game succeed.

Building a Community Around Your Brand: Leveraging social media platforms to engage with your audience during the product creation process can significantly boost its visibility and success. Instagram, in particular, helped us create a loyal community that felt connected to the project from start to finish.

Managing Setbacks with Resilience: Every entrepreneur faces setbacks, but the key to long-term success is how you respond to them. For example, the warehouse fire could have been a major blow, but instead, it turned into an opportunity to share a unique story that resonated with customers.

Profits & Losses in Product Creation: Trash Pitches helped me understand the delicate balance between investing in production and keeping costs in check. It’s important to approach product creation with a clear financial plan and be prepared for unexpected costs along the way.

If you’re ready to take your brand to the next level and grow a community that’s invested in your success before you launch your product, let’s talk.

Let’s talk → https://tally.so/r/3jElgx